McKenzie Harris, Sr.

In Memory

On April 22, 2026, the Lord called His humble servant, McKenzie Harris Sr., home to eternal rest and glory in Riverside Smithfield Hospital.

McKenzie had a generous spirit - if he had it to give, he gave it. Crabs, fish, oysters—you didn’t have to ask twice. If you stopped by the house, you were leaving with something—pecans from the yard, something you needed for the house, or a plate to go. He found joy in sharing, honoring his deep love and commitment to the Lord. This started early with his service to the Lawnes School sacrificing his education in support of his mother, Sarah, known to most as Kate. He spent many days gathering the fire wood used to cook for all of the children at the Lawnes School.

His love for his mother was displayed in his love for cooking. All of the years watching her cook and enjoying her meals, carried on through him. Like Kate, it became one of the many ways he showed love. Whether it was fried fish, turkey legs, or his well-known crab cakes, you knew you were eating good with Pop.

Like many of his time, McKenzie spent his early years working at the shipyard, building a foundation for his young family. His true talents were manifested out on the water. He was unbelievably gifted when it came to all things nautical, turning that passion into a way to provide. As a proud member of the Black Waterman’s Club of Rushmere, he built a life as a local fisherman—taking the Miss Poquoson out, captaining countless fishing charters and parties. The water wasn’t just where he worked—it was a part of him. That work ethic, that pride, that consistency—it runs through his children today.

McKenzie was an extremely devoted husband to his beloved wife, Dottie Harris. Even in his later years, through his own ailments and challenges, he made sure she was cared for—most notably by cooking her breakfast every single morning. That breakfast became something of a legend, talked about all up and down the East Coast and known by those lucky enough to have had it as “that good ole Smithfield breakfast.” Taking care of her wasn’t just something he did—it was who he was. In these acts, we witnessed McKenzie humbly and consistently serve the Lord.

He was a dependable man. A man of integrity. A man who loved his family deeply and showed it in the ways that mattered most.

We honor McKenzie Harris Sr. for every sacrifice he made, every meal he prepared, every early morning, and every long day on the water. His legacy lives on in the family he built, the values he passed down, and the many lives he touched.

McKenize Harris Sr. entered this world May 3rd, 1945 to loving parents, James Robertson and Sarah Kate Robertson Harris here in Smithfield, Virginia. He was preceded in death by Isabel Robertson, Roy Lee Harris, William Robertson. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Dottie Harris and four children, McKenize Harris Jr. (Deborah), Gregory Harris (Joycelyn), Shannon Harris, and Stacy Harris (Cynthia). His grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and countless other friends and family will miss him.

McKenzie’s last request was “I’m ok, make sure your Momma is straight.”

On Thursday, April 30, 2026 viewing will take place from 3-6pm at Shivers Funeral Chapel. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am On Friday, May 01, 2026 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 5230 Old Stage Highway, Smithfield. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Please keep the Harris family in your prayers.